Backpacks are packed. Alarms are set. And if you’re anything like us, you’re already wondering: What’s for lunch? What’s for dinner? And how do we make it all work?
Back-to-school season brings full schedules and hungry kids—and that’s where we come in. With a little help from Chef Paul’s Magic Seasoning Blends®, you can pack flavor into every part of your day. From lunchbox-friendly favorites to quick-prep dinners the whole family will love, these tasty and freezer-friendly recipes make it easy to keep everyone full and happy.
They’re simple. They’re satisfying. And best of all—they’re seasoned with Magic.
1. Breakfast Pizza

This one’s a morning game-changer: a crispy pizza crust layered with seasoned sausage, eggs, and Herbal Pizza & Pasta Magic®. It’s great straight from the oven—or prepped ahead and reheated by the slice for a fast, filling breakfast before the school bell rings.
2. Chicken Meatballs with Pesto Sauce

Juicy, bite-sized, and full of flavor, these meatballs are a school-year staple. Seasoned with Herbal Pizza & Pasta Magic®, they’re perfect for lunchboxes, quick dinners, or post-practice snacks.

Make a batch ahead, stash in the freezer, and reheat as needed—oven, air fryer, or microwave. Serve with pasta, leftover rice, or enjoy on their own with optional pesto for dipping.
3. Pasta in Cream Sauce

This creamy, adaptable pasta is a weeknight go-to. Start with a butter and cream base, stir in your favorite Magic Seasoning Blend, then toss with cooked pasta and whatever’s in the fridge—veggies, chicken, seafood, you name it.
It’s kid-friendly, reheats well, and makes a solid lunch the next day.
4. Tomato Basil Sauce

Craving something classic? This Tomato Sweet Basil Sauce with Poultry Magic® or Seafood Magic® brings bold, fresh flavor with minimal effort. Pour it over pasta, add your favorite protein—meatballs, shrimp, shredded chicken—and dinner’s done.
It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and the kind of meal that packs perfectly in your kids’ lunchboxes.

5. Cauliflower Mash
Creamy, cozy, and full of veggie goodness, this cauliflower mash is a smart swap for traditional mashed potatoes. Seasoned with Vegetable Magic®, it pairs perfectly with meatballs, grilled chicken, or hearty roasts.
Tuck it into lunch containers as a warm, comforting side—especially alongside those tasty Chicken Meatballs.

6. Cauliflower & Turkey Shepherd’s Pie
A lighter take on a classic comfort dish, this shepherd’s pie swaps mashed potatoes for cauliflower and ground beef for lean turkey—without sacrificing any flavor.

Seasoned with Poultry Magic® and Vegetable Magic®, it’s a great option to prep ahead and freeze in individual portions for quick reheats on busy nights.

7. Chicken or Turkey Noodle Soup
A comforting classic with a Louisiana twist. This soup is perfect for those first Fall evenings or when someone’s feeling under the weather. Made with Poultry Magic®, it’s a warm hug in a bowl—and even better the next day.

8. Chipotle Black Bean Butternut Chili
Packed with hearty black beans, sweet butternut squash, and chipotle flavor, this one-pot chili is fall comfort in a bowl. Made with Magic Chipotle Seasoning, it’s a plant-forward favorite that reheats beautifully for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Make School Nights a Little Easier
With these simple and satisfying recipes in your rotation, getting back into the school-year groove can actually feel manageable—and even delicious. Whether you’re batch cooking on Sunday or throwing together dinner in 30 minutes or less, these meals have you covered.
Ready for more weeknight wins?
Explore all our family-friendly favorites at magicseasoningblends.com/recipes